RIO 2016 PARALYMPICS NEWS
![A yellow mascots and blue mascot with green leaves as hair stand on top of Rio's Sugar Loaf mountain.](/sites/default/files/images/170202124815472_Tom-and-Vinicius.jpg)
Meet the Rio 2016 mascots
Inspired by animals and plants, Rio 2016 has launched its mascots for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
![London 2012 mascots Mandeville and Wenlock visit the Rio district of Lapa](/sites/default/files/images/141123130427085_Mascots_0.jpg)
Rio 2016 mascot launch edges closer
Mascots from previous Games, including Mandeville from the London 2012 Paralympics have been visiting Rio ahead of Monday’s mascot launch.
![Dylan Alcott celebrates winning his quad wheelchair tennis singles match against Great Britain's Andy Lapthorne at the 2014 Australian Open.](/sites/default/files/images/140210082240480_464535989.jpg)
Top six stories of the week – 16-22 November
Action from the football 5-a-side Worlds, banked slalom makes it debut in para-snowboard, a world record attempt and more.
![Mascots of the past with kids](/sites/default/files/images/141120181223640_Mandeville%2BRio%2Bairport_0.jpg)
Mascots arrive in Rio ahead of Monday's launch
Mascots from the 1980, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have arrived in Rio ahead of Monday's launch of the Rio 2016 mascots.
![woman in red standing on stage in front of a gold background and addressing the crowd](/sites/default/files/images/141119191339933_Penny%2BBriscoe%2B-%2BMark%2BRunnacles_0.jpg)
Penny Briscoe named as ParalympicsGB's Chef de Mission
Briscoe takes up the role for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games after successfully operating as Chef de Mission during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games
![Stephane Houdet](/sites/default/files/images/130608100729796__RG13108_IPC.jpg)
Top six para-sport stories of the week – 9-15 November
IPC pleased with Rio 2016 progress, wheelchair tennis history made, skiing retirements and more…
![The Rio 2016 Pioneer Volunteers group photographed during the filming of the campaign.](/sites/default/files/images/170202125759887_Rio-volunteers.jpg)
Deadline extended for Rio 2016 Volunteer Programme
Those interested in applying to become a volunteer at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games now have until 15 December.
![Jason Maroney at Alicante 2013 landscape](/sites/default/files/images/131218132051937_Jason%2BMaroney.jpg)
Shooting Australia reveal 2014-15 line-up
Nine shooters including Jason Maroney and living-legend Libby Kosmala have been named to the squad for 2014-15 aiming for selection for Rio 2016.
![The sixth IPC Rio 2016 Project Review took place 10-11 November 2014.](/sites/default/files/images/141112183603782_Alex%2BFerro_0.jpg)
IPC pleased with “significant progress” by Rio 2016
The IPC conducted a two day Project Review with the Rio 2016 Organising Committee and left impressed with preparations for the Paralympic Games.
![A female German shooter preparing for the next shot.](/sites/default/files/images/140727163614752_14700845156_45453b40a2_o_0.jpg)
Three IPC Shooting World Cups announced
World Cups in France, Australia and the USA will act as qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
![Women dressed like a man with a guitar and a moustache](/sites/default/files/images/141110140921658_Baiao%2BFunk%2BRio%2BVolunteers_0.jpg)
Leading actress signs up as Rio 2016 volunteer
Elea Mercurio, a Brazilian actress and TV presenter, has registered as a volunteer and created a song and video to encourage others to follow suit.
![A picture foa a blonde woman showing her gold medal hanging around her neck](/sites/default/files/images/130121101959645_151161035.jpg)
Mallory Weggemann to have Rio 2016 preparations documented
As part of the “Redefine Limitations” campaign by manufacturers FINIS, Weggemann will have glimpses of her daily life documented as she prepares for the upcoming Paralympic Games.
![Marlou van Rhijn and her sister Suzanne enjoy the views from Rio's Sugar Loaf mountain.](/sites/default/files/images/170202105207889_Marlou-van-Rhijn.jpg)
Van Rhijn “seriously excited” by Rio 2016 after Brazilian visit
The world’s fastest female blade runner is counting down the days until the next Paralympic Games in less than two years’ time.
![People sitting around a table, writing on a big sheet of paper](/sites/default/files/images/141106162844266_Solomon%2BIslands%2BOrganisational%2BCapacity%2BProgramme_0.jpg)
Solomon Islands build towards Rio 2016
The Agitos Foundation’s Organisational Capacity Programme has helped the National Paralympic Committee to strengthen its development of para-sport.
![Maria Lyle at Swansea 2014](/sites/default/files/images/140926160813619_453912132.jpg)
52 British para-athletes benefit from extra funding
British Athletics’ World Class Performance Programme gives extra funding and support to athletes with medal potential on the road to the Rio 2016 Paralympics.
![Shingo Kunieda](/sites/default/files/images/140125203914827_464908931_0.jpg)
Five Incheon victors qualify for Rio 2016 Paralympics
In total, 271 athletes have qualified for Rio, with five more slots secured at the Incheon 2014 Asian Para-Games.